Chic Spotlight: Sleepy Bee Cafe
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| Sleepy Bee Cafe will open in Oakley in December. |
Cincy Chic: When and where will Sleepy Bee Cafe open?
Sleepy Bee Cafe: Sleepy Bee Cafe will open December 2013 and you’ll be able to find us at 3098 Madison Avenue.
Cincy Chic: What’s the concept behind the business?
Sleepy Bee Cafe: We wanted to create a place where you could appreciate both delicious and sustainable foods in an environment that was welcoming and warm. Sleepy Bee Cafe is a place to congregate – whether in work, play or part of a daily routine. Like the bees that inspired us, its mission is community-driven, featuring locally-sourced food prepared by local artisans in a sustainable, healthy way.
Cincy Chic: What inspired you to open Sleepy Bee Cafe?
Sleepy Bee Cafe: Sandy Gross and John Hutton are long-time nature lovers and advocates, and have found great inspiration in bees – the way they graze, their delicious honey and the critical, under-appreciated role they play in the foods we all enjoy. They have always wanted to open a restaurant, and when they saw the building in Oakley available, halfway between their other businesses, Blue Manatee bookstore and Brazee Street Studios, they fell in love with the space and immediately saw the possibilities. Having been in Oakley for many years, they understood and appreciated the needs of the community and families in the area. Frannie Kroner was recommended as a chef, and after their first meeting, it was obvious their interests and ideals were perfectly aligned. They have been buzzing like bees ever sense.
Cincy Chic: What makes it unique from other cafes in the area?
Sleepy Bee Cafe: Sleepy Bee is full of light – bright and refreshing while still being welcoming and warm. It is a historic building given a new purpose in a wonderful community. The menu was crafted to be healthy, sustainable, yet accessible – we have something for everyone. It will be family-friendly with a healthy, delicious children’s menu – something that was important for them given John’s background as a pediatrician, Sandy’s as a Montessori teacher and that they and Frannie are parents themselves. We have a talented, supportive team of local artists, foodies and farmers; a colony working together for the same inspired goal, and we are excited to open our doors and welcome the community.
Cincy Chic: Do you have any upcoming events planned at Sleepy Bee Cafe?
Sleepy Bee Cafe: We have been tossing some ideas around, hoping to create community-focused events in sync with Blue Manatee, Brazee and other local groups: author and artist breakfasts, fundraisers and awareness-building events celebrating bees, of course. We also have a private dining area for business meetings, parties, and gatherings. Stay tuned – we invite everyone to can sign up for our e-mail list or like us on Facebook to stay adrift to our dinner musings.
Cincy Chic: What can guests expect when they visit Sleep Bee Cafe after it opens in December?
Sleepy Bee Cafe: Guests can expect to be filled with good food, in an inspired atmosphere, with a meaningful mission. Breakfast. Lunch. Local!
Cincy Chic: Where can readers to go learn more about the cafe?
Sleepy Bee Cafe: Visit our website and check out our Facebook
